Introduced for the 1999 model year, this machine marked the revival of a classic nameplate after a long absence of roughly 25 years. It was conceived as a modern tribute to the original large-displacement twins of the 1960s and early 1970s, combining retro styling with contemporary engineering rather than trying to copy an old motorcycle outright. The new model used an air-cooled vertical twin with a 360-degree crankshaft, a layout chosen for its traditional pulse and character, and it stood out for its elegant, mechanical appearance, including the bevel-gear cam drive visible in the cylinder-head area.
Historically, it occupied an enthusiast-friendly niche: a heritage-focused standard meant to evoke the feel and presence of earlier British-style twins while remaining distinctly Japanese in execution and reliability. Its styling echoed the classic fuel tank, chrome details, upright riding position, and simple lines that made the original family of bikes memorable, which helped it appeal to riders who valued authenticity and mechanical charm over outright performance.
Production continued for about a decade. The final version appeared in 2009 as a limited-run final edition, closing the model’s run without a later revival under the same exact nameplate. It is remembered as the modern bridge between the original W-series tradition and the later era of retro Kawasaki standards.